Truck



OGL 27 1936. c. s. scHRoEDER 2,059,150

TRUCK Filed July 8, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR C JJ By A TTORNEYOct. 27, 1936. c. s. scHRoEDER TRUCK Filed July 8, 1935 4 Smets-sheet 2/NVENTOR A TTORNEY I .I I I I l ll/ Oct. 27, 1936. c. s. scHRoEDl-:R

TRUCK Filed July 8, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

C, J JM A TTORNEY.

Oct. 27, 1936. c. s. scHRor-:DER

TRUCK 4 Sh ets-Sheet 4 Filed July 8, 1953 N/ENTOR Mya TTORNEY PatentedOct. 27, 1936 TRUCK l Charles S. Schroeder, Philadelphia, Pa., assignorl to The Yale & Towne Mfg. Co., Stamford,

Conn., a corporation of Connecticut i application July s, 193s, semi No.619,539

2s claims. -(c1. la7-9) It is more particularly the object of myinvention to devise a load lifting truck in which a platform is adaptedto be raised relatively to a supporting member which in turn is adaptedto be lifted relatively to a primary supporting member, so that finally,there will be a double lift of the load supporting platform.

=More in detail, my invention relates to a truck of the type in whichthere are a pair of primary standards relatively to which a pair ofsecondary standards are to be raised, the secondary standards havingmounted thereon, for sliding lifting movement, a load carrying platform.In a truck of this type, it is generally arranged that a conltinuouschain be operated to lift the load carryl times possible for the loadlifting platform to jamb or wedge itself into relatively fixed relationwith the secondary pair of uprights before the load lifting platform hasbeen lifted its full amount on the uprights. In this way, the loadlifting platform is merely lifted relatively to the secondary uprights asmall amount, whereupon the secondary uprights thenmove with theplatform relatively to the primary pair of uprights so that improper anddangerous movement of the load lifting platform and uprights results. Myinvention obviates this undesirable condition by providing means formaintaining the secondary set of uprights in fixed relation` to theprimary set of uprights until the load lifting platform has had apredetermined amount of movement relatively to the secondary uprights.

In a truck of the type being described, and to which my invention isapplicable, it is generally arranged to mount the main load carryingportion of the truck frame on a tilting axle so that as the trucktraverses an irregular way it is possible for the axle to pivot so thatthe truck will be supported on all four wheels, the front wheels beingmounted relatively rigidly on said frame for contributing the necessarystability to said frame. It will be appreciated that if both axles werepivotally mounted relatively to the vbeing preferably although notnecessarily operframe, the rigidity of the frame would be negligible.When it ls desired to obtain the full lift of the elevating platform bythe double lift of that platform and the secondary uprights, the freetilting relation of the load supporting axle v 5' to the truck is veryundesirable because the high lifting of the platform will create atipping force tending to move the main frame relatively to the axleandto spill the load, and will not permit of sutllcient stability for theload to be handled safely. Therefore, means are provided in my inventionfor locking the axle and frame of the truck against relative tiltingmovement within predetermined limits so that proper stability of theframe relatively to the axle will be possible. 15 As amore detailedfeature of the invention I lock the axle relatively to the truck in aplurality of positions of the axle relatively to the truck, and Iaccomplish this locking either by manual or automatic means, the lattermeans able by lifting movement of the secondary standards or uprights.

In the usual industrial truck employing standards or uprights, theelevating platform which moves on the uprights is supported by rollersoperating in channels especially designed for vthose rollers, althoughin some types of trucks the rollers are mounted on opposite outsideedges of the standards. It becomes desirable in arrangements of thissort, regardless of the particular cooperation of the rollers andstandards, to allow for an adjustment of the rollers relatively to thestandards. My invention has as one of its objects the design of a.particular means on which the rollers may be mounted whereby anadjustment will be readily obtained, and where the means for supportingthe rollers will have an inherent mechanical tendency to remain inadjusted position. The preferred em- 40 bodiment of my inventionprovides rollers A mounted on pivots eccentrically placed on rotatablemounting members, whereby rotation of the mounting members will adjustthe pivots.

While I will discuss and illustrate a particular modification of myinvention, it should be understood that the various features indicated Iconsider broadly new in the art, and that I feel myself entitled tobroad claims which will be suilicient to protect my contribution to theart against substantial utilization in other forms by those skilled inthis field.

For a detailed description of my invention. I shall now refer to thedrawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a view of my truck illustrating the parts invarious operating positions. Fig. 2 illustrates a section through thetruck and the position of the tilting axle relatively to the frame withthe means for locking the axle to the4 frame. Figs. 3 and 4 are detailedviews showing two methods, and dogs or detents, for locking the axle andframe against relative tilting movement.

Fig. 5 is a view along lines 5 5 of Figs. 6 and 7 illustrating theoperation of the upright standards locking hook. Fig. 6 is a view/takenalong section 6-6 of Fig. 5 while Fig. '1 is a view taken on the outsideof the standards showing the method of releasing the holding hook fromengagement with the primary standards. Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 areviews illustrating the parts and assembly of the roller adjustmentdevice.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, reference numeral Iillustrates a usual type of industrial truck supported by front'wheelsII and rear load supporting wheels I2. The truck has the usual type offorward controls I3 and a storage battery container I4, holding abattery whereby power is imparted by proper agencies to a load tiltingrack I and to a continuous load lifting chain I6.

The load supporting portion of the truck carries a pair of uprightstandards I1, on which are mounted by rollers I8 and I9, a pair ofsecondary standards 20 which are adapted to ride up and down on thestandards I1 as best illustrated in Fig. l, and are adapted to tilt withthe standards by operation of the rack I5 as is also best illustrated inFig. l.

The secondary standards 20 in turn support through means of a pair ofupper rollers 2I and lower rollers 22, a load lifting platform 23carrying the forks 24 which are adapted to extend close to the groundfor the purpose of lifting any usual type of industrial load. The loadlifting platform 23 is adapted to be secured to the chain I6 so that asthe chain is actuated, the platform 23 will be raised on the secondarystandards 20 to the top position illustrated at A in dotted lines inFig. 1. The operation of the mechanism is such, that subsequent to theraising of the platform 23 to its uppermost position A relatively to thestandards 20, the standards 20 and the platform 23 will be moved fromthe first dotted line position A of the platform to the second positionB.

As is indicated generally in the introduction of my description of thisinvention, it is sometimes possible for the platform 23 to bindrelatively to the secondary uprights 20 so that the movement of theplatform to the full upper positionA illustrated in Fig. 1, is resisted.This resistance is sometimes sucient for the chain to tend to lift thesecondary uprights 20 before lifting Aplatform 23 has reached its upperposition A relatively to uprights 28. In order to prevent thisaccidental operation which prevents proper lifting movement of themember 23, I

provide a pair of hook members 25 best illustrated in Figs. 1, 5, 6, and7. I will now describe the operation of one of the hookmembers 25 whichis secured to a shaft 26 mounted on bearings 21 carried by the secondaryuprights 20. One end of the hook has secured thereto a spring 28 securedat its other end to a collar on the sprocket shaft 29 whereby to exert atendency on the hook forcing it into its full line position of Fig. 6wherein it holds the secondary uprights 20 against upward movementrelatively to the primary uprights I1 by the cooperation of the hookportion 30 with a cooperative hook portion 3I on the primary uprightsI1.

In order to release'the hook 26 from its full line position of Fig. 6 toits dotted line release position in the same figure, there .is providedon the shaft 26 a release cam 32 whose operation is best shown in Fig.7. The rearward portion 33 of the load lifting platform 23 is extendedas at 34 where it supports the roller 2| so as to cooperate with theextension 35 of the cam 32 for moving the cam as is very definitelyillustrated in Fig. '7. This rotates thelshaft 26 and moves the lockingportion 30 of the hook 25 from engagement with the locking hook section3| of the standards I1, whereupon the released secondary uprights 20will be allowed to move upward to the position illustrated at B in Fig.1.

I shall now describe the locking of the axle of the truck relatively tothe frame, with references to Figs. 2, 3 and 4. In those figures, therear load supporting wheels I2 are shown as carried by the tilting axle36 pivoted to the truck frame at 31. The primary uprights I1,are alsoshown,

as are also the secondary uprights 20 which appear in a partially liftedposition. A pair of dogs 38 are pivoted at 39 to upward extensions 40 ofthe main frame member 4I and form the basis of the operation to bedescribed below. Studs 42 carried on the dogs limit their downwardmovement so that they will not fall into a position from which they maynot easily be moved by the downward movement of the secondary uprights20 as will be indicated later.

While, of course, it is possible to so mount the dogs 38 that they maybe operated directly from the control end of the truck by power ormanually operated means, I prefer to have the dogs drop by gravity intotheir operative positions. As is illustrated in Fig. 2, the left handdog has dropped so that its surface 43 is in contact with the surface 44of the axle and will prevent the tilting of the axle in a clockwisedirection, or the tilting of the standards I1 in a counter clockwisedirection. This full gravity operation of the dogs 38 is possible onlywhen the standards 20, in the preferred embodiment, are moved to theirupper position of Fig. 20 above the camming section 45 of the dogs. Whenthe elevating standards 20 descend, their bottom surfaces will strikethe camming portions 45 of the dogs and will move the dogs back intotheir initial ineffective position as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3.'I'his is probably the most simple manner of applying my invention sothat it will operate automatically in connection with the lifting andlowering of the load.

A modification of the devices shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is illustrated inFig. 4 wherein the dogs 38 have a series of stepped ratchet portions 46which cooperate with a pawl like shoulder 41 of the axle instead of thesurface portion 44 of the modication of Figs. 2 and 3. 'I'he ratchetlike portions 46 in cooperation with the pawl like portion 41 contributea more positive cooperation of the frame and axle so as to bettermaintain the pawl in locking engagement.

I shall now refer to Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 inclusive. whichillustrate that portion of my invention dealing with the adjustment ofthe bearing rollers relatively to the standards. For the purpose ofbetter indicating my invention, I will describe it relatively to theroller 2I which supports the load lifting platform 23. This roller 2I iscarried on a pivot shaft 48 having a usual pressure lubrication device49. The pivot 48 is accento while offset in eccentric relation theretoas is ing position by a series of screw threads 53. It

will be readily understood that when the` screw threads-53 are loosenedso as to relieve the pressure of the backing member 52 against thecircular bearing portion 50 of the stud member 48, it will be possibleto rotate the stud on its circular bearing 5I. Obviously, also, theeccentric relation ofthe stud-48 relatively to its bearing 50, will, bythis rotation, be able to position the pivot 48 in an infinite number ofpositions within the range of its eccentricity. The positions and theirvariations are considerable, considering the accuracy with which theparticular structure is designed, so that it is quite simple to get aready, full, and easy adjustmentof the roller 2|. Also, because of theparticular stresses of the load, a considerable pressure moment isapplied between the circular bearing portion 50 of the stud and itsbearing 5| in the plate 33, so that great stability of the stud in itsmounting will be obtainable.

I claim:

1. In a truck, an axle carrying supporting wheels and itself tiltablymounted for movement relatively to said truck, means for stabilizingsaid truck and axle against relative tilting movement, said meanscomprising a pair of detent members mounted for movement into any one ofa series of stabilizing positions depending upon the angularity of theaxle relatively to the truck, means whereby said detents are held out ofstabilizing position, said means being movable to release said detentmembers for movement into one of several axle stabilizing positions,depending on the then degree of tilting of said axle.

2. In a truck, an axle carrying supporting wheels and itself tiltablymounted for movement relatively to said truck,l means for stabilizingsaid truck and axle against tilting relatively to one another in aparticular tilted position of said truck, said means comprising a pairof pivoted pawls on the truck cooperable with a pair of cam surfaces onthe axle, said pawl and surfaces being adapted for variable engagement,and with said pawls occupying varying pivoted positions, depending onthe angle of tilting of the axle.

3. In a truck, an axle carrying supporting` wheels and itself tiltablymounted for movement relatively to said truck, means for stabilizingsaid truck and axle in a particular tilted position against furthertilting movement relatively to one another, said means comprising adetent on the truck adapted to engage automatically a detent surface onsaid axle in one of a plurality of stabilizing positions, means holdingsaid detent out of contact with said detent surface on the axle, andmeans mounting said detent for autotact with said cooperating detentmember on the axle, and means mounting said detent for automaticmovement, when released, into engagement with said detent member in aparticular stabilizing position dependent onv the then degree of tiltingof said axle.

5. In a truck, an axle carrying supporting wheels and itself tiltablymounted for movement relatively to said truck, means for stabilizingsaid axle and truck against relative tilting movement in a plurality oftilted positions of said axle relatively to said truck, comprisinggravity detents and detent surfaces cooperable therewith, means forholding said gravity detents in an inoperative position relatively tosaid detent surfaces, and means mounting said gravity detents forautomatic movement into engagement with said detent surfaces in aparticular stabilizing position dependent on the then degree of tiltingof said axle.

6. In a truck, an axle carrying supporting wheels and itself tiltablymounted for movement relatively to said truck, means for automaticallyand instantly stabilizing said axle and truck against relative tiltingmovement in a plurality of tilted positions of said axle relatively tosaid truck, comprising detents movable into stabilizing position, meansfor holding said detents out of stabilizing position, and means mountingsaid detents for instant movement, when released, into one of aplurality of stabilizing positions dependent on the then tilted positionof said axle.

'7. In a truck, an vaxle carrying supporting wheels, a main frame, meansmounting said axle for tilting movement relatively to said main fram-cassaid truck traverses an uneven way, said frame being mounted so as totend to remain in a vertical plane while said axle tilts on an unevenway, means for stabilizing said frame in a vertical plane and relativelyto said axle while said axle occupies a more or less tilted positionrelatively to said frame, said means comprising a pair of detents, means-mounting said detents for automatic movement from an inoperativeposition to a particular frame stabilizing position dependent on thetilted position of said axle, and means for initiating the saidautomatic movement.

8. In a truck, a wheel carrying axle supporting said truck and adaptedto move relatively to the truck while traversing an uneven way, a loadlifting platform mounted on said truck, and means responsive to thelifting of the platform for stabilizing said truck relatively to saidaxle as the load platform is lifted.

9. In a. truck, a wheel carrying axle supporting said truck and adaptedto move relatively to the truck while traversing an uneven wax, a loadlifting platform mounted on said truck, means for lifting the platform,and means responsive to the lifting of the platform for stabilizing saidtruck in one of a plurality of positions relatively to said axle as theload platform is lifted.

10. In a truck, a wheel carrying axle supporting said truck and adaptedto move relatively to the truck While traversing an uneven way, a loadlifting platform mounted on said truck, means for lifting said platform,and means responsive to the lifting of the platform for automaticallystabilizing said truck in a plurality of positions relatively to saidaxle as the load platform is lifted.

1l. In a truck, a wheel carrying axle supporting said truck and adaptedto move relatively to the truck while traversing an uneven way, a

load lifting platform mounted on said truck, means for stabilizing saidtruck in a plurality of positions relatively to said axle, and meanslfor actuating said stabilizing means responsive to the lifting of saidplatform.

12. In a truck, a wheel carrying axle pivotally mounted on said truckand adapted to move on its pivot relatively to the truck depending uponthe irregularity of theway traversed by said truck, a load liftingplatform mounted on said truck, and means responsive to the actuation ofsaid platform to stabilize said axle against a particular tiltingmovement relatively to said truck.

13. In a truck, an axle -pivotally mounted on said truck and adapted tomove on its pivot depending upon the irregularity of the way traversedby said truck. a load lifting platform mounted on said truck, detentmeans for stabilizing said axle in a plurality of tilted positionsagainst further particular tilting movement, and means for operatingsaid detent means responsive to the actuation. of said lifting platform.

14. In a truck, a standard, a platform slidable on said standard bymeans of a roller cooperable with the standard, a pivot for said rollereccentrically mounted relatively to said platform whereby rotation ofsaid pivot will move it and the roller in an adjusting relation to saidplatform and standard, means for holding said pivot against rotation,said means being so arranged that the stresses on said pivot incidentalto the support of said platform will tend to maintain it fixed againstrotation.

15. In a truck, a standard, a load platform having a roller cooperablewith said standard whereby said platform may move up and down on saidstandard, a pivot for said roller, a rotatable mounting membersupporting said pivot and itself mounted on the load platform, means forsecuring said mounting member against rotation, saidmeans being soarranged that the stresses on said pivot incidental to the support ofsaid platform will tend to maintain it fixed against rotation.

16. In a truck, a pair of standards, a load platform having rollerscooperable with said standards for guiding and supporting the platformfor vertical movement on said standards, adjustable pivots for saidrollers for adjusting the position of said rollers, rotary supportingmembers for said pivots, said pivots being mounted eccentricallyrelatively to said rotary supporting members whereby rotation of saidsupporting members will adjust the positions of said pivots, means forsecuring said rotary supporting members against rotation, said meansbeing so arranged that the stresses on said pivots will tend to maintainthem xed against rotation.

17. In a truck, a pair of standards, a loadV platform having rollerscooperable with said standards, pivots for said rollers, means foradjusting the position of each of sa'id pivots and rollers comprising arotary member on which a pivot is eccentrically secured, means mountingsaid rotary member for rotation on said platform, and means for securingsaid member in a particular rotated position in which the eccentricallyrotated pivot will occupy a particular desired position, said securingmeans being so arranged that the stresses on said pivot incidental tothe support of said platform will tend to maintain it fixed againstrotation.

18. In a lift truck, a pair of elevating uprights,

guide means on which said uprights are elevated. an elevating platformsupported and guided by said uprights for lifting movement relativelythereto, a continuous chain or cable member secured to said platform andthen to said uprights in such manner that when reeled in, it will act tolift said elevating platform relatively to said uprights and saiduprights relatively to said truck, a locking dog carried by saiduprights, a spring pressing said dog into locking engagement with itsguide means to hold it against lifting movement until said platform isfirst elevated relatively thereto, hubs on said platform `and rollerscarried by said hubs for mounting said platform on said uprights, saiddogs being movable by said hubs when said platform is elevated wherebyto release the said dogs.

19. In a truck, a standard, a platform slidable on said standard bymeans of a roller cooperable with the standard, and a pivot for saidroller eccentrically mounted relatively to said platform wherebyrotation of said pivot will move it and the roller in an adjustingrelation to said platform and standard.

20. In a truck, a standard, a lo'ad platform having a roller cooperablewith said standard whereby said platform may move up and down on saidstandard, a pivot for said roller, and means for moving said pivot toadjust said roller comprising a mounting member to which said pivot iseccentrically secured whereby rotation of said member about its axiswill variably position said pivot.

21. In a truck, a pair of standards, a load platform having rollerscooperable with said standards for guiding and supporting the platformfor vertical movement on said standards, pivots for said rollers foradjusting the position of said rollers, said pivots being mountedeccentrieally relatively to rotary supporting members whereby rotationof said supporting members will adjust the positions of said pivots.

22. In a truck, a pair of standards, a load platform having rollerscooperable with said standards, pivots for said roller means foradjusting the position of each of said pivots and rollers, said meanscomprising a rotary member on which a pivot is eccentrically secured,means mounting said member for rotation on said platform, and means forsecuring said member in a particular rotated position in which theeccentrically rotated pivot will occupy a particular desired position.

23. In a truck, an axle, a main frame supported by said axle, a loadelevating frame mounted on said main frame, means for elevating saidelevating frame, means whereby said axle is tiltably mounted for tiltingmovement relatively to said main frame, means for stabilizing said mainframe and axle against tilting movement in a particular directionrelatively to one another, said stabilizing means being movable intostabilizing position in,

response to the operation of said load elevating frame.

24. In a truck, an axle, a main frame supported by said axle, a loadelevating frame mounted on said main frame, means for elevating saidelevating frame, means whereby said axle is tiltably mouned for tiltingmovement relatively to said main frame, means for stabilizing said frameand axle against tilting movement relatively to one another in aparticular direction, means maintaining said stabilizing means in aninoperative position, said means being arranged to release saidstabilizing means in response to the operation of said load elevatingframe.

25. In a truck, an axle, a main frame supported by said axle, a loadelevating frame mounted on said main frame, means for elevating saidelevating frame, means whereby said axle is tiltably mounted for tiltingmovement relatively to said main frame, means for stabilizing said frameand axle against tilting movement relatively to one another, a portionof said load elevating frame being arranged to maintain said stabilizingmeans in an inoperative portion, said elevating platform portion beingmovable when said frame is lifted so as to release said stabilizingmeans for movement into locking position.

26. In a truck, an axle, a main frame supported by said axle, a loadelevating frame mounted on said main frame, means for`elevating saidelevating frame, said axle being tiltably mounted for tilting movementrelatively to said main frame, means for stabilizing said frame and axleagainst tilting movement relatively to one another, and means for movingsaid stabilizing means into and out of stabilizing position inresponseto ther operation of saidload elevating frame.

27. In a truck, an axle, a main frame supported by said axle. a loadelevating frame mounted on said main frame, means for elevating saidelevating frame, said axle being tiltably mounted for tilting movementrelatively to said main frame, means for stabilizing said main frame andaxle against tilting movement relatively to one another, a portion ofsaid load elevating frame being arranged to maintain said stabilizingmeans in an inoperative position, said elevating frame portion beingmovable when said frame is lifted so as to release said stabilizingmeans for movement into stabilizing position, and to move saidstabilizing means to release the axle for free tilting movement as theelevating frame is lowered.

28. In truck, an axle carrying supporting wheels, a main frame, meansmounting said axle for tilting movement relatively to said main frame assaid truck traverses an uneven way, means mounting said frame so as totend to maintain a position in a vertical plane while said axle tilts onan uneven way, detent means for stabilizing said frame in a verticalplane and relatively to said axle while said axle occupies a more orlless tilted angular position relatively to said frame, means mountingsaid detents for movement automatically from an inoperative position toan operative position to stabilize said frame and axleagainst'relatively tilting, and means normally holding said detentsagainst movement 'into an operative stabilizing position and operable

